APRA, NAMPA Partner to Host Africa’s Largest Communication Summit in Namibia

The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA) to co-host the 2026 Effective Communicators Conference (ECC), scheduled for July 14–17, 2026, at The Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia.

The agreement follows an earlier invitation by NAMPA for APRA to partner in organizing the continental communication gathering, which will be held under the theme, “Communication Reconsidered: A Driving Force for Constant Progress.”

The conference is being jointly organized with Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), led by Minister Emma Theofelus. The minister recently unveiled activities leading up to the conference in Windhoek following the formalization of the partnership between APRA and NAMPA.

The ECC is expected to bring together Africa’s leading voices and global partners in public relations, marketing, government communication, journalism, and digital media to examine how strategic communication can shape the continent’s future and drive sustainable development.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony, APRA President, Mr. Arik Karani, represented by the association’s Secretary-General, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, commended African governments and institutions for increasingly recognizing communication as a critical component of governance and development.

According to Karani, the collaboration between APRA, NAMPA, and the Namibian government represents a significant milestone in advancing professional standards, communication education, and ethical practice across Africa.

“We are committed to telling the African story through shared intentions and evidence-based, safe, ethical and responsible communication that promotes understanding, trust, stability and prosperity across the continent,” he said.

Structured around six high-level strategic forums, ECC 2026 will provide a platform for leaders, practitioners, scholars, and policymakers to engage on emerging trends and challenges in communication. While discussions will draw heavily from Southern African perspectives, the outcomes are expected to have continent-wide relevance.

A major highlight of the conference will be the Heads of States and Diplomatic Forum, which will bring together presidents, vice presidents, ministers, and diplomatic representatives to discuss regional communication priorities and Africa’s global narrative.

Other featured sessions include the Captains of Industry Forum, Editors and Journalists Forum, Government Communicators Forum, Strategic Communications and Public Relations Forum, and the Digital Storytelling Forum, where participants will explore issues ranging from press freedom and information integrity to crisis communication, reputation management, artificial intelligence, and creator-led storytelling.

Organizers say the conference will serve as a unique platform for shaping communication governance and reinforcing the role of strategic communication in Africa’s pursuit of growth, development, and prosperity.

More than 1,000 participants are expected to attend the event. APRA will also hold its 2026 Annual General Meeting during the conference ahead of its 37th Annual Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Abuja in November 2026 as part of the World Public Relations Forum.